Multan tragedy an accident

The Newspaper's Staff Reporter Published October 17, 2014

LAHORE: A three-member inquiry committee regarding the Multan tragedy on Thursday submitted its report to the Punjab government, declaring it an accident without any element of subversion.

An announcement to this effect was made by the provincial government and sources said unlike the earlier impression in the media, the committee did not hold PTI responsible for the mishap.

Also read: Imran Khan calls for judicial probe into Multan stampede

Eight people were killed and many others were injured during a stampede on the conclusion of a PTI rally addressed by its chairman Imran Khan in Multan’s Qasim Bagh Stadium on Oct 10.

Inquiry report submitted to Punjab govt

A handout said the gate at which the incident took place was open and there were also proper lighting arrangements.

According to the report, there were a large number of people inside and outside the gate and in the video of the incident, police and Rescue-1122 were also present on the spot.

ASI Muhammad Anwar informed Shah Mahmood Qureshi who was on the stage about the stampede who told Ijaz Chaudhry and Imran Khan. Upon receiving this information, Imran stopped his speech and asked the people to comeback from the said gate.

Meanwhile, according to the video report, more vehicles of Rescue-1122 reached the spot and used water cannon for controlling the stampede and pushing back the people. As a result of this, the crowd retreated and the pressure on the gate was reduced.

According to the video report, the gate was closed for relief activities and the injured persons were provided first aid on the spot. The available video also verified these facts.

The inquiry committee stated it was an accident and there was no element of subversion. The gates of the venue were open and there were proper lighting arrangements. The spray of water by Rescue-1122 proved very useful and a number of human lives were saved while the crowd was dispersed.

According to the report, the selection of the venue for the public meeting was improper in view of the large crowd.

Moreover, the management of Tehreek-i-Insaf did not fully implement the clauses of the agreement made with the district administration.

Published in Dawn, October 17th, 2014

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Oct 17, 2014 06:52am

It is sad that for greed of power and fame such negligence of the organizers. More over the music and fun is going on in Islamabad despite of this sad incident. I am sure the 7 people that died have nothing to celebrate. In Islam at least 40 days is given in memory of the people that died. But it does not look like the PTI has any respect at the end of the day for their followers if they are no more useful for them .

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Sunny

Oct 17, 2014 07:29am

But one thing which the report suggests that crowd was huge. Pmln open your eyes these so called muthi bhar log are every where in Pakistan in large numbers in reality.

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Oct 17, 2014 07:58am

iJust like in all other public accidents where the government has always awarded money to the families of the dead, why didn't punjab government do the same here. Is it because they belonged to PTI? I think MLN could have won a few hearts by doing that. They should learn from Malik Riaz and do some damage control just as Malik is doing these days.

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Pakistani

Oct 17, 2014 09:04am

For a meaningful and professional report it MUST include recommendations/measures to avoid such mishaps in future. What are these recommendations?

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